Oregano Oil vs. Oil of Oregano: What’s the Difference?

Oregano oil and oil of oregano are often treated as if they are the same thing. While the names sound similar, they can refer to different preparations of the oregano plant. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right product and use it appropriately.

Is Oregano Oil the Same as Oil of Oregano?

Not necessarily. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can describe different types of products.

Oregano essential oil is a concentrated essential oil obtained from oregano leaves and other above-ground portions of the plant. It contains aromatic compounds naturally present in oregano, including compounds such as carvacrol and thymol.

Oil of oregano may refer to oregano essential oil that has been diluted into a carrier oil. However, some products labeled oil of oregano may instead be an infused oil made by extracting oregano into another vegetable oil.

This is why reading the product label is more useful than relying on the name printed on the front of the bottle.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is a highly concentrated botanical oil. It is produced by extracting volatile aromatic compounds from oregano plant material, commonly through steam distillation.

Because essential oil is concentrated, only a small amount is needed when it is used in applications for which the product is intended.

What Is Oil of Oregano?

The phrase oil of oregano is used broadly in the natural products industry. Depending on the product, it can mean an oregano essential oil that has already been diluted or an oil infused with oregano.

For example, an oregano essential oil may be combined with a carrier oil such as olive oil. The resulting product may be marketed as oil of oregano.

An infused oregano oil is different from an essential oil because the extraction process and resulting chemical composition are different.

Oregano Oil vs. Oil of Oregano: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Oregano Essential Oil	Oil of Oregano
Meaning	Usually refers to concentrated oregano essential oil.	Can describe several oregano oil preparations.
Concentration	Highly concentrated.	Varies depending on the product.
Carrier oil	May be sold undiluted or diluted.	Often contains a carrier oil when sold as a ready-to-use product.
Composition	Rich in volatile aromatic compounds.	Composition depends on whether it is essential oil, diluted essential oil, or an infused oil.
Label matters	Yes. Check botanical name and ingredients.	Yes. Check the oregano content and carrier oil.

Why Carvacrol Matters

One reason oregano oil receives so much attention is its naturally occurring aromatic compounds. Carvacrol is one of the primary compounds found in many oregano essential oils, along with thymol and other constituents.

The concentration of these compounds can vary considerably depending on the oregano species, growing conditions, harvest, extraction method, and processing. Therefore, two products both labeled oregano oil may not have identical compositions.

How to Read an Oregano Oil Label

Instead of relying solely on terms such as “oregano oil” or “oil of oregano,” look at the ingredient panel.

• Look for the botanical name of the oregano used.
• Check whether the product contains a carrier oil.
• Look for information about dilution or concentration.
• Check the serving or recommended-use instructions.
• Look at the amount of oregano oil actually present in the product.
• Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the specific product.

Does Oil of Oregano Have the Same Benefits as Oregano Essential Oil?

That depends on what the product actually contains. If oil of oregano is simply oregano essential oil diluted in a carrier oil, it will contain many of the same volatile oregano compounds, although at a lower concentration.

If the product is an oregano-infused carrier oil, its composition can be quite different from a distilled oregano essential oil.

This distinction is especially important when reading research. A scientific study performed using a particular oregano essential oil should not automatically be assumed to apply to every product marketed as oil of oregano.

Which One Should You Choose?

There is no single answer because the best choice depends on what you are looking for and how you intend to use the product.

If you are looking for a concentrated oregano essential oil, look specifically for an oregano essential oil and carefully follow the product’s instructions for dilution and use.

If you want a product that is already diluted, an oil of oregano product may be more convenient. Again, the ingredient list is the best way to determine exactly what you are purchasing.

Learn More About Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has been studied for a variety of potential applications. If you want to learn more about the research and traditional uses of oregano oil, explore our other articles:

• Oregano Oil Medicinal Benefits: What the Research Says
• Can You Put Oregano Oil on Your Face?
• Oregano Oil Benefits for Skin
• Oregano Oil for Dogs